The purpose of this monograph is to summarize professional literature on dependency and to discuss its implications for vocational rehabilitation. The review begins with a discussion of relevant psychoanalytic, learning, developmental, and sociocultural theories since behavioral manifestations of dependency differ and are related to factors in the particular milieu which precipitates them. Expressions of dependency are grouped in five categories: social, emotional, financial, institutional, and psychomedical. Methodological procedures for the study and measurement of dependency include self-report measures such as the Edwards Personal Preference Schedule, projective techniques such as the Thematic Apperception Test, and ratings through observation. The types of handicaps with which dependency is associated are physical disability, emotional disorders, chronic illness, and social disability. It was observed that while expressions of dependency are related and similar, they must be dealt with by differing interventive techniques on the part of the rehabilitation personnel. Related documents are VT 008 510 and VT 008 511. (CH)